Senate approves daycare bill

Published: Saturday, June 1, 2013 at 6:01 a.m.

Last Modified: Saturday, June 1, 2013 at 1:28 a.m.

The Senate gave final approval Friday to a bill that sets up new licensing standards for early childhood education programs and centers.

The measure (Senate Bill 222), which includes new guidelines and definitions for daycare centers and facilities that receive federal and state money, was approved unanimously.

“If you’re regulated today, you will be regulated under this bill,” said Sen. Mike Walsworth, R-West Monroe. “If not, you won’t be.”

Part of the licensing change will categorize child care centers into four types, instead of the current “Class A” and “Class B,” to avoid confusion when the state issues letter grades to these programs, much like the accountability tracking system required of public schools.

Type III centers will have to meet performance and academic standards.

A companion proposal (Senate Bill 130) would create common standards for kindergarten readiness, assessment and accountability that students enrolled in centers will be expected to meet. The bill awaits action on the House floor.

<p>The Senate gave final approval Friday to a bill that sets up new licensing standards for early childhood education programs and centers. </p><p>The measure (Senate Bill 222), which includes new guidelines and definitions for daycare centers and facilities that receive federal and state money, was approved unanimously. </p><p>“If you're regulated today, you will be regulated under this bill,” said Sen. Mike Walsworth, R-West Monroe. “If not, you won't be.” </p><p>Part of the licensing change will categorize child care centers into four types, instead of the current “Class A” and “Class B,” to avoid confusion when the state issues letter grades to these programs, much like the accountability tracking system required of public schools. </p><p>Type III centers will have to meet performance and academic standards. </p><p>A companion proposal (Senate Bill 130) would create common standards for kindergarten readiness, assessment and accountability that students enrolled in centers will be expected to meet. The bill awaits action on the House floor. </p><p>All Houma-Thibodaux senators voted for the measure.</p>